Plymouth's National Marine Aquarium is the largest in the UK (Image: PlymouthLive)

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Plymouth is absolutely packed full of great activities, family attractions and free days out. There's so much to choose from, if can be tricky to decide what to see and do.

To help you decide, here's our expert guide to the top tourist attractions in Plymouth - from the globally renowned to secret havens, theme parks to wildlife parks, indoor play areas to aqua parks, art galleries and museums, and so much more.

In fact, we're pretty sure there's something to suit all tastes, in and around Plymouth.

So, whether you're here on holiday or just enjoying days out, you'll find the perfect attraction on this list to keep the whole family occupied, whatever the weather.

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Plymouth Ski and Snowboard Centre

(Image: PlymouthLive)

With three slopes to choose from including the longest artificial slope in the South West, this is the perfect place to practise and learn new wintery skills. The artificial ski slopes at Alpine Park, just off the A38, are covered in perma-snow, so no matter how bright and sunny the weather, you're set for snowy joy.

Wembury Marine Centre

(Image: Nigel Hicks)

Based at Wembury Beach and run by Devon Wildlife Trust, this is the ideal place to learn about the surrounding area and its wildlife through interactive displays, tanks, regular Rockpool Rambles and other marine-themed events.

Central Park

(Image: Paul Slater)

Enjoy not only a walk through the largest park in Plymouth, with open meadows, woodlands and up and down hills with fantastic views, but take the children to the Seven Continents Adventure Playground. This contains dino swings, climbing frames, a large pyramid net, drums, sound wheel and a wheelchair roundabout.

Plymouth Life Centre

(Image: John Allen)

There's plenty to do at this massive fitness centre just outside of town in Central Park. Facilities include an Olympic 50m swimming pool, a 12-court sports hall and an eight-rink indoor bowls hall. A climbing wall is managed by High Sports who offer a range of climbing sessions for all ages and abilities.

Meadowsfoot Beach

(Image: DevonLive)

Meadowsfoot Beach, also known as Mothecombe private beach and Coastguards Beach, is an unspoilt, sandy beach located near the mouth of the River Erme near Ivybridge and is a crossing point for the South West Coast Path.

Royal William Yard

(Image: Daily Mirror)

Built in the 1800s, Royal William Yard Harbour contains the largest collection of listed former Royal Navy buildings in Europe and, following a multi-million pound regeneration project, it is now home to art galleries, cafes, bars and restaurants to spend an afternoon.

Royal Citadel

(Image: Plymouth Herald / SWNS)

A dramatic 17th century fortress built to defend the coastline from the Dutch, and keep watch on a recently rebellious town, the Royal Citadel on Lambhay Hill is still in use by the military today. English Heritage runs regular tours of the Citadel to allow visitors to explore behind the walls.

Jennycliff

(Image: DevonLive)

Past Radford Park and Hooe Lake, this is a small pebble beach with plenty of rock pools. Above is a lovely cafe and grass area - suitable for picnics, running around, walking dogs, and admiring the fine views across Plymouth Sound.

Clip 'N Climb

(Image: Penny Cross)

With 44 indoor climbing walls, this Derriford attraction is the biggest clip 'n climb centre in the UK. There are all sorts of challenges for different abilities in the climbing arena - from the UK’s tallest Big Cheese climbing wall to the Stairway To Heaven steps.

Devonport Column

(Image: Penny Cross)

Climb all 137 steps for stunning, panoramic views of Plymouth. Just be prepared to get a soaking at the top. While you're there you can have a look inside Devonport Guildhall, where you can explore the former prison cells and mortuary.

Devonport Naval Heritage Centre

(Image: TripAdvisor)

This maritime museum recognises the development of the Dockyard and Plymouth’s pivotal role in supporting the Royal Navy through major conflicts since 1300, including two World Wars. The museum only asks for donations and is open by appointment to groups of visitors.

Lopwell Dam

(Image: DevonLive)

Tucked away by the River Tavy but only three miles from Plymouth, this is a breathtaking beauty spot. It's a bird watchers paradise so take your binoculars in your basket. The Old Pump House Cafe provides meals and snacks if you don't want to pack a picnic.

The Garden House

(Image: DevonLive)

Enjoy an inspiring day out on Dartmoor as you explore one of the finest gardens in Britain. Children love the garden trail and exploring secret pathways while you treat yourself to a warming lunch in the tea rooms.

The Elizabethan Gardens

(Image: John Allen)

Tucked away behind a tiny alleyway in the centre of Plymouth is a peaceful slice of Elizabethan grandeur where you can imagine life 500 years ago in the beautifully tranquil surroundings of an exquisite garden.

Plymouth VR Centre

(Image: PlymouthLive)

Plymouth VR Centre at Faraday Mill offers a range of VR experiences. Ride an adrenaline-pumping rollercoaster, explore a terrifying haunted house and go on a captivating underwater adventure without having to leave the room.

Drake's Den

(Image: PlymouthLive)

This soft-play centre in Estover offers a huge multi-level and multi-colour adventure play frame which features loads of the modern physical play features and padded equipment, from balls and slides to tunnels and bridges.

Smeaton's Tower

A centrepiece on Plymouth Hoe, Smeaton's Tower is one of the South West's most well-known landmarks. Standing at 72 foot high, it offers fantastic views of Plymouth Sound and the city from its painstakingly-restored lantern room.

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Plymouth Barbican

(Image: Plymouth City Council)

Explore cobbled streets, narrow lanes and more than 200 listed buildings, many of them Tudor and Jacobean, as well a wide range of cosmopolitan boutique shops, galleries, pubs, cafes and restaurants set amid picturesque scenery.

You'll also catch a glimpse of the world-famous Mayflower Steps (currently closed for restoration), from which the Pilgrim Fathers are believed to have left England aboard the Mayflower for a new life in America in 1620.

Plymouth Gin Distillery

(Image: PlymouthLive)

Based on the Barbican, Black Friars Distillery, the working home of Plymouth Gin since 1793, is the oldest working gin distillery in England. Take a guided tour and learn about the art of making the world-famous Plymouth Gin.

Mayflower Museum

Set over three floors on the Barbican, this museum explores the story of the voyage of the Pilgrims and their journey aboard the Mayflower to the New World. Look out for a model of the Mayflower Ship built on a 1:11 inch scale.

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Plymouth Pavilions Ice Rink

(Image: PlymouthLive)

Enjoy a family ice-skating experience on a spacious rink with good-quality skate hire at this venue on Millbay Road. There are also a variety of sessions on offer, from the tots' sessions to the disco ones, ice hockey to group lessons.

Tenpin Plymouth

(Image: PlymouthLive)

As well as plenty of bowling lanes, you can have a go at table tennis, hit the pool tables, or play on classic and modern games at the arcade centre. It's near the Vue cinema and Pizza Hut at the Barbican Leisure Park.

Super Tramp Plymouth

(Image: PlymouthLive)

This Plymstock attractions boasts more than 20 trampolines, or you can try a slam dunk on the basketball court, test the Matrix with wall running, or work as a team with a game of dodgeball. The Airbag is also a great way to practise your moves in a safe environment.

Saltram House

(Image: PlymouthLive)

A lovely Georgian mansion with original contents, an interesting history, and over 500 acres of grounds. There are some impressive collections to explore, including paintings and ceramics, and you can go back in time by dressing up in Georgian and Regency costumes.

Buckland Abbey

(Image: PlymouthLive)

This abbey near Yelverton is set within a beautiful estate full of meadows, woodlands, and orchards, and has over 700 years of history to discover, which you can do with the help of children's quiz and trail, plus a number of other family activities.

Dartmoor Zoological Park

(Image: Penny Cross)

From African lions to Iberian wolves, this Sparkwell park (the original inspiration for Hollywood movie We Bought A Zoo) boasts over 200 animals. You can also explore the 33 acres of parkland, stopping off at the Jaguar restaurant for some street food.

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The Barn Indoor Climbing Centre

(Image: PlymouthLive)

This Tavistock venue boasts one huge wooden boulder with up to 100 bouldering problems. There are basic sections ideal for beginners but also vertical walls, slabs, grooves, small ledges, serious overhangs and a deep roof section.

Tree Surfers

(Image: Wayne Perry)

Just 30 minutes from Plymouth and set within hundreds of acres of woodland, this Tavistock attraction offers the chance to test your limits on the tree-top high ropes trail with zip wires, Tarzan swings and ropes bridges.

For those who want to stay on the ground, there's an archery range, cycle paths and trails.

Crownhill Fort

(Image: PlymouthLive)

Crownhill Fort is the best preserved of Lord Palmerston's 'Ring of Fire' which surrounded Plymouth in Victorian times. Explore four fighting levels with placements for 32 cannons and six mortars, nearly a half mile of eerie tunnels, and concealed accommodation for 300 soldiers.